Kuching Day 4: Muzium

In Kuching there are a few museums and all in walking distance to each other so they can be easily visited all within half a day. The Muzium Islam Sarawak was closed for maintenance at the time, which was a bit disappointing, but we got to visit the Art Museum and both the old and new wings of the Muzium Sarawak. Admission was free for all exhibitions, except for the private fossil collection at the Natural Science Museum, which we left out.

The old wing of the Muzium Sarawak has a wide range of displays, introducing the natural history, geology, archaeology and petroleum industries of Borneo. The most interesting gallery probably the one dedicated to the local tribal groups of Sarawak, showcasing photos, models of longhouses and a comprehensive collection of artifacts.

The old wing of the Muzium Sarawak (picture borrowed from cuti.com.my)

The new wing was located over the bridge on the other side of the road. The exhibitions focused on the history, economic development and politics of various Sarawakian cities. But I did find them too informative and wordy so we did not spend much time here.

The Sarawak Art Museum was situated downhill of the old wing of the Muzium Sarawak. It housed traditional and contemporary paintings, sculptures and jewellery created by Malaysian artists. It did not have a large collection of artwork but still interesting.

There was a small aquarium tucked behind the old Muzium Sarawak as well. But all we saw was a few dozens of dirty fish tanks without any form of information on the marine animals kept in them. It was quite poorly maintained and, frankly, not worth visiting at all.

We were going to see the Indian Street that afternoon but we could not find a parking so we ended up going to the mall and watch a movie :P